Darren Aronofsky is a one-of-a-kind filmmaker who never fails to produce original and often frightening movies. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Aronofsky had many unique interests, including biology and social anthropology. Aronofsky attended Harvard University, where he studied filmmaking and eventually received his MFA in directing at the AFI Conservatory. His sheer intelligence is undoubtedly showcased in all of his films.

Aronofsky breaks down every frame of his movies with pure precision. He is constantly using story, camera techniques, and visual aesthetics to push the medium of cinema to new limits. With Black Swan, he brilliantly used mirrors and shadows to tell a haunting story. He also utilized the camera and lenses in unique ways. The camera dances along with the actors throughout the performances, which is a brilliant method to showcase the choreography. With Requiem For A Dream, he introduced us to innovative methods of editing with quick close-up shots to portray drug use.

With only eight features under his belt, it is true to say that Darren Aronofsky is very particular with what projects he takes on. Although he is known for creating dramatic films, much of his work is haunting and disturbing, making him also a master of horror. The director has now decided to tackle the controversial subject of an Elon Musk biopic. With that in mind, here are all of his films ranked.

Update November 27, 2023: This article has been updated following the release of The Whale to feature it on the list, as well as the news that Arronosfky is directing an Elon Musk biopic.

8 Noah (2014)

Noah
PG-13
Release Date
March 28, 2014
Director
Darren Aronofsky
Runtime
138 Minutes
Main Genre
Drama

Fans and critics alike were utterly surprised when Aronofsky decided to tackle the biblical story of Noah (Russell Crowe) and his arc. Although it is far from his best, it is an original and dark take on the age-old story. Aronofsky highlights the complicated character of Noah and the sacrifices he had to make for Earth and humanity.

A Poorly-Received Offering

The cast, including Emma Watson, Jennifer Connelly, and Anthony Hopkins, deliver fantastic dramatic performances. The visuals are stunning, and, like all of his other films, Noah is bound together with a haunting score and impeccable editing. That said, the film wasn't well-received critically, nor publicly for that matter, despite the colossal budget and stellar ensemble. It is Aronofsky going for his biggest-scale film, but it highlights why he is best suited for smaller character dramas.

Stream on Prime Video, YouTube, and MGM+

7 The Whale (2022)

The Whale
The Whale
Drama
Comedy

Release Date
December 9, 2022
Director
Darren Aronofsky
Runtime
1hr 57min

The Black Swan director’s latest project was 2022’s drama, The Whale. The Whale follows the story of the protagonist, Charlie (Brendan Fraser), a man plagued by his morbid obesity and subsequent housebound existence. An online college lecturer, Charlie never shows his face in the webinars due to shame. Constantly on the brink of a fatal heart attack, Charlie’s best friend, Liz (Hong Chau), is permanently on high alert, regularly pleading with her friend to change his ways. The Whale taps into Charlie’s trauma as we begin to comprehend why he has become a recluse, hellbent on killing himself with copious amounts of food.

Brendan Fraser's Powerhouse Performance

While this is by no means Aronofsky’s best work, it’s certainly one of his most evocative features. It's lifted dramatically by a resurgent Brendan Fraser, who is in truly awe-inspiring form as Charlie, the self-loathing case study at the film’s very heart. The film is a controversial one, as many took issue with how the film depicted obesity as something horrific, which makes this one of Aronosfky's films that might have good intentions but that misses the mark on it's message. But it is worth watching just to see Fraser's Academy Award-winning performance.

Stream on Prime

6 Mother! (2017)

Mother!
Mother!
R
Release Date
September 13, 2017
Director
Darren Aronofsky
Runtime
115

Mother! is, without a doubt, the most disturbing film of Aronofsky's career. The film is another take on a biblical story, this time being an allegory for the Book of Genesis. The entire film takes place in a country home where the relationship between Mother (Jennifer Lawrence) and Him (Javier Bardem) is put to the test as unexpected guests begin to arrive and disrupt their peaceful existence. Lawrence's character represents Earth, while Bardem's character represents God. As more and more guests arrive, eventually resulting in a jaw-dropping climax of destruction, we see the story of Genesis unfold and how humans hold the responsibility for the destruction of Mother Earth.

Mother! Is Rich With Allegory

This is, arguably, Darren Aronofsky's most ambitious project to date and certainly one of his most poignant. The film speaks to our moral responsibility for the world through the lens of biblical characters. In a time when current affairs are dominated by humans' apparent destruction of the world via our failure to realize the extent of this self-inflicted damage. This allegory for climate change does a lot of heavy lifting as far as conveying this vitally important message.

Rent on YouTube and Prime Video

5 The Fountain (2006)

The Fountain
The Fountain
PG-13
Release Date
November 22, 2006
Director
Darren Aronofsky
Runtime
97
Main Genre
Drama

The Fountain is a mind-mending experience that takes you on a journey through space and time. The film exists in three intersecting stories set in the past, present, and future, where a man, played by Hugh Jackman, seeks to live in eternity with his true love, played by Rachel Weisz.

Aronofsky's Atypical Romance

The Fountain is a heartbreaking tale filled with stunning visuals of our vast Universe. The film is definitely not for everyone, but it is unquestionably a one-of-a-kind movie that should be seen at least once. Contemplative in nature, this is a thoroughly thought-provoking piece of cinema. While it bombed at the box office, the entire feature is lifted by Aronofsky's pedantic attention to detail in the production.

Stream on YouTube

4 Pi (1998)

Pi
Pi
R
Drama
Documentary
Mystery
Sci-Fi
Thriller
Release Date
July 10, 1998
Director
Darren Aronofsky
Cast
Sean Gullette , Mark Margolis , Ben Shenkman , Pamela Hart , Stephen Pearlman , Samia Shoaib
Runtime
84
Main Genre
Drama
Writers
Darren Aronofsky , Sean Gullette , Eric Watson
Tagline
There will be no order, only chaos

This 1998 psychological horror film was Aronofsky's directorial debut and proved his brilliance as an innovative filmmaker. Pi follows the reclusive mathematician, Max (Sean Gullette) as he obsessively attempts to find the complete order of the Universe through numbers. His quest eventually leads to a complete breakdown, resulting in hallucinations, paranoia, and physical agony.

Aronofsky's Acclaimed Debut

Mark Margolis gives an expected fantastic performance as Max's former math teacher, Sol. The film gained critical success and went on to win the Directing Award at the 1998 Sundance Film Festival, the first award received by the multi-talented auteur. In characteristic Aronofsky style, Pi is an evocative and emotive, albeit a seriously hard watch.

Stream on YouTube and Tubi

3 The Wrestler (2008)

the wrestler
The Wrestler
R
Release Date
September 7, 2008
Director
Darren Aronofsky
Runtime
109
Main Genre
Drama

Much like The Whale saw Brendan Fraser's triumphant return to the big screen, this indie flick about a washed-up pro-wrestler resurrected the career of Mickey Rourke. It even resulted in his performance of Randy 'The Ram' Robinson earning an Oscar nomination. The Wrestler almost seems like a documentary as we follow Ram through his personal journey of redemption.

A Triumphant and Surprisingly Straightforward Redemption Story

Rourke is flawless in his performance, and you will surely be rooting for Ram until the heartbreaking ending. It's a story of self-acceptance and coming to terms with the realities of life and getting older. At the same time, it is an unconventional and honest love story between Ram and a stripper named Cassidy (Marisa Tomei). Even people who despise wrestling will love this film.

Rent on Prime

2 Black Swan (2010)

Black Swan
Black Swan
R
Release Date
December 3, 2010
Director
Darren Aronofsky
Runtime
110
Main Genre
Thriller

Although some may disagree, Black Swan is a horror film. Natalie Portman plays Nina, a New York City ballerina who lands the lead in the production of Swan Lake, resulting in a horrifying mental and physical breakdown. The film is Arronofsky most commercially successful film to date.

Natalie Portman's Best Performance in Aronofsky's Second Best Film

Portman gives a career-defining performance as Nina, not only for her emotional range but also for her skills as a convincing ballerina. Prior to production, Portman trained vigorously with choreographers to learn the ins and outs of dance techniques. The film also tackles a disturbing and seductive rivalry between Nina and another ballerina, Lily (Mila Kunis). Through the use of mirrors, camera techniques, and visuals, Aronofsky proved himself, once again, as a master of precision with this terrifying film.

Rent on Prime Video, YouTube, and Apple TV+

Related: Here Are 7 Movies With Open Endings That You Have to See

1 Requiem For A Dream (2000)

Requiem for a Dream
Requiem for a Dream
NR
Release Date
October 6, 2000
Director
Darren Aronofsky
Runtime
102
Main Genre
Drama

Addiction plays the main protagonist in this adaptation of Hubert Selby Jr.'s novel. The story follows four characters who hope for better lives but are inevitably destroyed by drug addiction. The mix of innovative editing, an ear-piercing score, and brilliant performances make Requiem for a Dream a once-in-a-lifetime film about addiction. Ellen Burstyn particularly shines, giving an Oscar-nominated performance as Sara Goldfarb, a binge-eating recluse who becomes dangerously addicted to diet pills.

Aronofsky at His Nihilistic Best

The film portrays the harsh truths of addiction and gives us a soul-crushing story of broken dreams and self-destruction. This is a harrowing, often distressing portrayal, told in an almost hallucinatory metaphor of the American Dream. This is the film that put Arronosfky on the map, and made him one of the most celebrated directors of the 21st century.

Stream on Pluto and Plex